Booker T Says Bullying ‘Goes Away When You’re A Grown Man’
Booker T gave his take on reports of bullying behind the scenes in WWE.
Speaking on a recent episode of his Heated Conversations podcast, Booker downplayed recent reports as cited in the book by former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts. Bullying, and specifically the behavior of former wrestler turned commentator JBL, has been receiving widespread media attention as of late following a reported dispute between JBL and fellow broadcaster Mauro Ranallo that has led to the apparent end of Ranallo's time as an on-air talent for the company.
“I think [bullying] pretty much goes away when you’re a grown man and you’re able to take up for yourself and throw hands, or go and talk to someone,” Booker said on his podcast. “Say, ‘Hey, I don’t feel like I’m being treated right with this commentator, maybe you need to move me somewhere else otherwise there could be problems.’ "
Booker later added he did not think the bullying term applied to "grown men having an issue with each other.”
Booker is just the latest current or former WWE employee to give his take on the JBL situation, joining Jerry Lawler and former WWE announcer Rich Brennan.
WWE and Ranallo reportedly are working on a settlement of his contract, the terms of which would include a gag order. As for JBL, his part in the controversy has led to a backlash from fans at recent broadcasts of Smackdown.
Booker T made a return to commentary this past Monday on Raw. For the next few weeks, Booker will continue to be the third man on a broadcast team that includes Michael Cole and Corey Graves while David Otunga films a movie.
